What is fostering?
 

Fostering means opening your home to a dog or cat while they wait to be adopted. You provide a safe, comfortable place for them to live and the care and attention they need while we work to find them a permanent home.
 

What do I need to provide?
 

Fosters provide a safe home, food, love, patience, and day-to-day care. The Crossings Animal Society provides supplies as needed and covers veterinary care and medications.

We work closely with our foster families throughout the placement to make sure they have what they need. Fostering is an ongoing partnership—we’re here to answer questions, help with challenges, and provide support along the way.
 

How long does fostering last?
 

Every foster situation is different. Some pets may be adopted relatively quickly, while others may need more time. We ask fosters to be prepared to commit to at least two months whenever possible.
 

What if I fall in love with my foster and want to adopt?
 

It’s completely understandable to become attached to your foster pet! However, our foster program depends on having homes available for pets who need a temporary place to stay while we search for their adopters.
 

When a foster home becomes a permanent home, that home is no longer available to help another animal in need. This means we have one less place to say yes to a pet coming from a local shelter or another situation where they need help.
 

We ask our foster families to be prepared to help their foster pet move on to their adoptive home when the right match is found. That’s what makes fostering so important: one foster home can help multiple animals over time.
 

If you are primarily looking to adopt, we’d be happy to help you explore the animals currently available for adoption.
 

What if something happens and I can no longer foster?
 

We understand that circumstances can change. If you’re no longer able to continue fostering, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to determine the best next step for your foster pet and help arrange another placement if needed.
 

How does the foster process work?
 

Start by completing our foster application. As part of the application, we ask for a veterinary reference if you have one, along with two non-family references. If you don’t have a veterinarian reference, we ask for three non-family references instead.
 

After your references have been checked, we’ll schedule a home visit. This gives us a chance to meet you, see your home environment, answer any questions you may have, and make sure fostering is a good fit.
 

Once you’re approved, we’ll work with you to find a foster pet who is a good match for your household. We’ll provide the support you need and stay in communication with you throughout the foster period.
 

You’re not on your own when you foster with The Crossings Animal Society. We’re here to support you and your foster pet throughout the experience.